BNB’s Core Values: Racial Equity
Dear Bikes Not Bombs Community,
As we continue to celebrate our 40th Anniversary, we want to use this opportunity to both emphasize and expand on our Core Values. These values sit at the heart of our work, and will play a key role in shaping our upcoming strategic planning for 2026-2030. Over the next four months, we will highlight each Core Value in our monthly e-newsletter and with a detailed value statement on our website.
Bikes Not Bombs Core Values are:
- Racial Equity
- Youth Empowerment
- Local and Global Solidarity
- Environmental Sustainability
We intentionally begin this roll-out with our statement on Racial Equity:
Bikes Not Bombs is deeply committed to racial equity and inclusivity, acknowledging the historical and systemic barriers that have persisted in our society. We recognize that these barriers disproportionately affect racial and ethnic minority communities. We are committed to disrupting these patterns and fostering a more equitable space for everyone.
Our vision is of a world where biking and its benefits are accessible to all, regardless of race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, or disability, recognizing that not all individuals may be equally served by our initiatives. We are resolute in ensuring that our programs, services, and internal operations reflect this commitment to racial equity.
Rationale for Racial Equity:
Achieving racial equity means creating a society where people of all races have equal access to opportunities and resources, and are treated with dignity and respect. While all forms of oppression are harmful and must be addressed, prioritizing racial equity is essential because racism is deeply ingrained in our society since the first White Europeans colonized the Americas and has created pervasive and systemic inequalities that affect all areas of life, from education and healthcare to employment and criminal justice.
Racism has a long history in the United States, from slavery, to Jim Crow laws, and to present-day discrimination and bias. Despite progress made in civil rights and racial justice movements, the effects of this history persist in the form of racial disparities in wealth, health outcomes, education, and incarceration rates, among other areas.
Prioritizing achieving racial equity is necessary to dismantle these systems of oppression and create a truly just and equitable society. It is important to recognize that achieving racial equity will not only benefit people of color but will also improve the lives of all people, as a more equitable society will create opportunities for everyone to thrive.
Intersectionality:
We also recognize the importance of intersectionality in creating an equitable space, understanding that individuals can experience compounding forms of oppression simultaneously, such as racism, sexism, ableism, and more. By considering intersectionality, we understand that race intersects with other aspects of identity, and the experiences of individuals are shaped by the intersections of various social identities. This approach aims to create more inclusive and comprehensive solutions that address the unique challenges faced by individuals with intersecting identities.
Focusing on racial equity and intersectionality is essential for creating inclusive communities and organizations. It involves actively seeking diverse perspectives, amplifying marginalized voices, and ensuring that decision-making processes consider the needs and experiences of all individuals. By doing so, organizations can foster environments that are more equitable, just, and representative.
By prioritizing racial equity and considering intersectionality, we can create a more just and equitable society for all.
We will prioritize:
- Intentionality: Make purposeful efforts to engage with, listen to and include perspectives and voices from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds in our decision-making processes, program design, and community engagement.
- Accountability: Regularly monitor and assess our progress towards racial equity, and hold ourselves accountable for the outcomes. We will learn from our mistakes and constantly strive for improvement.
- Representation: Strive for a workforce and Board of Directors that reflect the diverse communities we serve. This includes recruitment, retention, and promotion practices that encourage racial diversity.
- Education and Training: Equip our staff, volunteers, and board members with the knowledge and tools to understand and confront racial bias, both internally and in our broader community. We will provide ongoing training and resources to support this commitment.
- Partnership: Collaborate with other organizations and community groups that align with our commitment to racial equity. We will seek out partnerships with groups that are led by and serve communities of color.
- Advocacy: Use our platform to advocate for policies and practices that promote racial equity in the biking industry and beyond. We will strive to be a vocal ally for communities of color.
We understand that this commitment requires ongoing effort and dedication. Our commitment to racial equity is not a destination but a journey of continual learning, reflection, and action. We are resolved to make Bikes Not Bombs, Inc. an organization where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to bring about change.